Nike has long been the brand to beat in the world of super shoes. The current world record marathon time (2:00:35) was achieved by Kelvin Kiptum in a pair of Nike Alphafly 3s. Before that, the record-holder was Eliud Kipchoge, who'd set the previous world record (2:01:09) in the same pair of Alphafly 3s. But this year, Nike's competition is heating up with impressive showings from other brands, like the Adidas track shoes that have now been worn to win two gold medals.
One of the most exciting new arrivals is the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3. Fiona O'Keeffe placed first in the Olympic Trials marathon in Orlando in these shoes that just released in June. It was her very first marathon win and one that earned her a spot on Team USA this year. The third-place runner in the women's marathon trials, Dakotah Lindwurm, wore the same shoes. Of the top 10 runners in the trials, three wore Puma's latest super shoe.
Tap the button below to get a pair of the Olympics-approved running shoes for yourself, or keep reading to see what makes them one of the fastest running shoes of 2024.
$230 at PumaThe Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 that helped two runners earn spots on Team USA
First launched in June, with a second colorway coming out in July, the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is the brand's lightest running shoe, weighing in at just 6.8 ounces (for the size 8 women's shoe). The midsole features Puma's signature Nitrofoam Elite, a nitrogen-infused foam that's airy, soft and bouncy. Sandwiched beneath that foam is a carbon fiber plate that acts like a springboard, propelling runners forward on every foot strike.
The upper uses Ultraweave, Puma's four-way stretch mesh fabric that helps create a snug fit without the friction. The 87% rubber outsole is durable and built to offer optimal traction for the road.
Designed to help runners beat their PB, the formula already seems to have worked. Fiona O'Keeffe's victory in Orlando while wearing these running shoes was her first-ever marathon win.
The word is out on Puma's newest super shoes, so sizes are selling out fast. Act fast to nab a pair for yourself before they disappear.
Men's sizes are already gone, and women's sizes are selling out fast. So, your best bet is to check Puma first and see if your size is still available (or your equivalent size in women's).
$230 (Sun Stream) at Puma $230 (Lapis Lazuli) at PumaIf your size is already sold out, you can find both colorways in men's and women's sizes available for resale at StockX.
$390 and up (Sunset Stream) at StockX $392 and up (Lapis Lazuli) at StockXMore of the fastest shoes from the Olympic Marathon Trials:
- The reigning GOAT of the road: Nike Alphafly 3, $285
- The women's marathon second place finisher: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer, $200
- Adidas' fastest running shoe: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, $250
- The current version of the unreleased Asics shoe that took first in the men's trials: Asics Metaspeed Sky, $250